Pushpa 3: The Rampage – Budget, Release Planning, and What We Know So Far

The Pushpa franchise has already made a permanent mark in Indian cinema history. The first film, Pushpa: The Rise, turned Allu Arjun into a global mass hero, while the upcoming Pushpa 2: The Rule is one of the most awaited films of 2024. Now, fans are already looking beyond that to the third and final chapter – Pushpa 3: The Rampage.

Although the film is still in the planning stage, there is huge curiosity about its budget, release plan, and storyline direction. Let’s break down everything we know so far.

The Pushpa Phenomenon

The Pushpa series, directed by Sukumar, tells the story of Pushpa Raj – a fearless, street-smart man who rises to power in the red sandalwood smuggling syndicate. The films are known for:

• Powerful dialogues
• Rugged action scenes
• Folk-inspired music
• And of course, Allu Arjun’s stylish mannerisms and unforgettable “Thaggede Le” swag

The first film (Pushpa: The Rise) released in December 2021 and became a pan-India sensation. It performed exceptionally well not only in South India but also in the Hindi belt, earning over ₹350 crore worldwide despite pandemic restrictions.

Budgets of the First Two Films

Understanding the budgets of the earlier films gives us a clue about the potential scale of Pushpa 3.

1. Pushpa: The Rise (2021) – Budget around ₹200–250 crore
   This was a big-budget Telugu film at the time, with large sets, extensive outdoor shooting, and elaborate action sequences.

2. Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024) – Budget reportedly ₹400–500 crore
   The sequel is much bigger in every way – larger cast, more international filming, higher production quality, and more marketing spend.

Given this upward trend, it is safe to assume that Pushpa 3 will be one of the costliest Indian films ever made.

Estimated Budget for Pushpa 3

As of now, Pushpa 3: The Rampage does not have an official budget announcement. However, trade experts believe it could be around ₹400–500 crore, in line with or even slightly higher than Pushpa 2.

Why so expensive? Here are some reasons:

• High star salaries – Allu Arjun’s fee has reportedly doubled since Pushpa 1. Rashmika Mandanna and Fahadh Faasil also command bigger paychecks now.
• International filming – Rumors suggest parts of the film may be shot overseas to show Pushpa Raj’s global smuggling network.
• Massive action sequences – The final showdown between Pushpa Raj and Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat (Fahadh Faasil) is expected to be on an epic scale.
• Marketing and promotion – Pan-India campaigns in multiple languages cost hundreds of crores.

If this budget range is correct, Pushpa 3 will join the league of big-budget Indian blockbusters like RRR, Baahubali 2, and Adipurush.

Release Planning – When Will Pushpa 3 Arrive?

Since Pushpa 2: The Rule is scheduled for August 2024, Pushpa 3 will likely release two to three years later. Filmmaker Sukumar is known for taking his time to write and shoot his films, ensuring every detail is perfect.

A possible timeline could be:

• Late 2024 – 2025: Scriptwriting and pre-production
• 2025 – 2026: Filming across multiple locations
• 2026 or early 2027: Theatrical release

Producers may target a holiday period for maximum box office impact – such as Makar Sankranti, Independence Day, or Christmas – as these dates have worked well for big releases in the past.

Expected Release Strategy

Like the first two films, Pushpa 3 will follow a pan-India release model:

• Languages: Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Malayalam, Kannada (dubbed), and possibly international versions
• Wide screen count: Over 5000 screens worldwide for the opening weekend
• Global markets: Big push in the USA, Middle East, Australia, and Southeast Asia where Pushpa 1 gained a cult following

Given the franchise’s brand value, we can also expect:

• Multiple premieres in major cities
• Tie-ups with OTT platforms for post-theatrical streaming rights
• Huge merchandise sales – T-shirts, accessories, and collectibles featuring Pushpa Raj’s iconic style

Story Expectations – The Rampage

While the plot of Pushpa 3 is under wraps, the title “The Rampage” hints at an intense, high-stakes finale.
Some possible story directions:

• Pushpa Raj expands his empire beyond India, facing international rivals.
• A final, brutal face-off with Bhanwar Singh Shekhawat.
• Deeper look into Pushpa’s personal life, especially his relationship with Srivalli (Rashmika Mandanna).
• Political and law enforcement forces closing in on Pushpa’s operations.

Director Sukumar is known for emotional depth in his mass films, so we can expect a mix of heart-touching drama and bone-crushing action.

Box Office Potential

If Pushpa 3 is made on a ₹400–500 crore budget, it will need to earn at least ₹800–900 crore worldwide to be profitable after promotions and distribution costs.

Looking at the franchise track record:

• Pushpa: The Rise – ₹350+ crore gross worldwide
• Pushpa 2 (expected) – Potential to cross ₹1000 crore if reviews and audience response are strong

Given the hype, Pushpa 3 could easily aim for the ₹1000 crore club and even challenge records set by films like KGF: Chapter 2 and RRR.

Why Pushpa 3 Could Be a Global Event

Several factors could make Pushpa 3 a worldwide phenomenon:

1. Allu Arjun’s global fan base – His popularity skyrocketed after Pushpa 1’s songs and scenes went viral internationally.
2. Franchise loyalty – Audiences invested in the first two films will rush to see the grand finale.
3. Pan-India success model – The team has mastered the art of releasing a South Indian film that appeals to North Indian and overseas audiences.
4. Music & dialogue virality – Songs like “Srivalli” and “Oo Antava” proved that Pushpa music can dominate global charts.
5. Mass + class appeal – Balances raw action with emotional storytelling.

Challenges Ahead

Despite the excitement, Pushpa 3 will face some challenges:

• High expectations – Every part of the film will be compared to the previous ones.
• Budget pressure – At ₹400–500 crore, there’s no room for mistakes in marketing or release timing.
• Industry competition – Other big-ticket films may release in the same year, dividing audience attention.

However, given Sukumar’s track record and Mythri Movie Makers’ marketing genius, these challenges are likely to be well-managed.

Pan-India Masterpiece

Pushpa 3: The Rampage may be years away, but the buzz has already started. With a possible budget of ₹400–500 crore, it will be one of the most ambitious Indian films ever attempted.

Fans can expect an epic conclusion to Pushpa Raj’s journey – filled with larger-than-life action, gripping drama, and unforgettable dialogues. If executed well, this film could go down in history as a pan-India masterpiece and a global box office juggernaut.

Until then, all eyes are on Pushpa 2: The Rule in 2024 – the film that will set the stage for the final rampage.